Storm Rehersal

Storm Rehearsal

by Ron Burke

Recent torrential rain storm of last Wednesday was challenging in the sense of such huge amounts of rain in a short period of time. This storm seemed to come out of nowhere and placed a strain on drainage systems to remove the water. Luckily, city crews had already been involved in cleaning and clearing or the situation could have been further complicated.

Both the Alice Fire Dept and Alice Police Dept., Jim Wells County Sheriff's Dept., as well as other first responder emergency personnel, are receiving high marks for their efficiency and professionalism in dealing with the water crisis. Many have remarked about the level of dedication and service quality that was extended to protect assist residents by city and county employees.

But as the even more ominous hurricane season develops and the threat of tornadoes loom, the city and county must always be vigilant towards evaluating their plans and constantly assessing their inventories of available resources and possible needs. With any situation or scenario it is understandable that gaps might exist that need to be worked on.Here are just a few areas that could possibly use consideration for strengthening or updating.

1.)Operations Center-Command and operational process must be clear and well-communicated to all sectors.Both the city and county have effective assets to offer, and in continuing to work together with mutual assistance, both entities can benefit significantly.

2.)FEMA and other federal and state,etc. agencies have different categories or classifications for various type of emergencies or storms. Some may require the opening or use of full service shelters, while others may just necessitate a short term holding area for those temporarily displaced for a few hours, or less or waiting for other arrangements. Under guidelines there is a difference. There must be clarity as to which type of shelter will be available and information regarding location and services or provisions.

3.)Equipment Inventory-Whether its communication devices, barricades, tools, or other needed equipment to assist with rescue or cleanup,county and city must make sure that there is ongoing evaluation of requirements and needs to insure that operations are consistently efficient and effective and keep pace with changing situations.

There were two definite items of concern, however, that involved the public. First, there were at least several areas where water flow or drainage was hampered and blocked by garbage or trash that had been thrown into the systems. This is unacceptable and must not continue. Secondly, there were various instances where drivers ignored the directives of law enforcement and jeopardized public safety , including their own,by driving into unsafe areas.This took unnecessary time and attention away from other priorities or needs.

Storm management can continue to be successful with all segments of the community working together and always seeking ideas and recommendations for self improvement to programs.﻿